Laserfiche WebLink
285 <br /> <br />could be found by eliminating loading zones or no parking zones that are not needed. <br />Mr. Yellott suggested talking to churches to open up their parking during the week. Mr. <br />Yellott also suggested that Council direct staff to look at light rail options, other than big <br />trains. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bob Watson of the Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber agrees with the <br />basic premise of the recent parking study. Mr. Watson said steps should be taken by <br />Council to alleviate the situation and suggested looking into DPOC's proposal for Water <br />Street. Mr. Watson said that new parking must be built, and the existing parking supply <br />needs to be properly managed and maintained. Mr. Watson suggested delaying reducing <br />on-street parking times and increasing fees until later. Mr. Watson said that underground <br />parking should be the norm,-with the understanding that it needs to be financially <br />feasible. Mr. Watson said cooperation from the University and Albemarle County is <br />vital, satellite parking should be provided, garages should be mixed use, and <br />public/private partnerships should be promoted. <br /> <br /> Mr. Larry Ingle, a business owner at 119 1/2 W. Ivlain Street, said that other cities <br />have constructed underground parking and there is no reason that we cannot do it as well. <br />Mr. Ingle said reducing on-street parking times only makes it more difficult, and said the <br />only frae he would support increasing would be for multiple abuses. Mr. Ingle suggested <br />that staff define on-street parking spaces and the best use for those closer in to the <br />downtown mall versus farther out. Mr. Ingle suggested increasing parking on Old <br />Preston Avenue and move police cars out of the parking garage. Mr. Ingle also suggested <br />that loading zones be restricted to before 10:00 a.m. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bryant Morris, 1018 St. Charles Avenue, said that short-term plans need to be <br />implemented sooner before making the changes in time and fees. Mr. Morals said he <br />cannot afford to park in the garages. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati noted that he was on the Planning Commission in 1993 when similar <br />parking proposals came forward. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he was also involved in the 1993 study, but feels that different <br />arguments are being made now. Mr. Toscano said it is a long-term problem and we need <br />to figure out howto solve it or we will strangle ourselves economically. Mr. Toscano <br />said the cost of monthly parking will continue to be a problem. Mr. Toscano said a <br />revenue stream will be necessary to build more parking. Mr. Toscano said it is one thing <br />to conceptually say that we should construct underground parking and build above it, but <br />we need to figure out where we can do it and what it will cost. Mr. Toscano suggested <br />doing a feasibility study of the Water Street site. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he has a long-term commitment to underground parking, and hopes <br />that the 5th and Water Street project will be a model. Mr. Cox said he is elated the <br />downtown businesses are united in support of underground parking as he cannot envision <br />another above-ground parking structure. Mr. Cox said we have to work out ways this can <br />really happen, and we have to create short-term solutions such as satellite parking. Mr. <br />Cox suggested looking at increasing on-street parking and installing bike lanes on <br />Monticello Avenue, and suggested that Council charge staff with beginning to look at <br />restriping spaces and other solutions. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she agrees with comments made by other Councilors, and is <br />committed to underground parking. Ms. Richards said she would like to consider a five- <br />year time line for solving the parking problems. Ms. Richards suggested looking to the <br />south of the downtown mall for all day spaces. Ms. Richards said it seems cruel and <br />pointless to change parking time limits and increase fines now. Ms. Richards said <br />alternative transportation needs to be encouraged, and employers should explore <br />incentives for their employees to use alternative transportation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that people are not attracted to downtown because of new parking <br />structures, and many people walk or use bikes. Mr. Lynch said if we build to an <br /> <br /> <br />